Cruise Express v Brightline
 

As previously posted, I was so shocked at the recent 70% increase in the one-way fare from Port Everglades to The Villages by Cruise Express that I decided to look at Brightline as an alternative means of transport.

I am happy to report that the train journey was slightly cheaper and more comfortable than taking the bus. It took a bit longer overall, but only because this was my first time of doing it. I caught the 10.20 train whereas I was there in time to catch the 09.20 (had my ticket allowed me to switch). Arriving at MCO I killed some time as my Groome connection was almost an hour away, and headed for the pick-up point to see the earlier bus backing out and leaving. Taking those hours off each end of the journey, as I hope to do next time, and the arrival time at my house would have been before the bus reached Bealls in Spanish Springs.

I shall certainly be using the train in future but, as mentioned in my last thread, be sure to keep a look out for discounted fares as they come up on a regular basis.

Good to know, thanks for sharing.

So you used groome for transport to/from airport, then bright line to Miami. Did you then take a Uber to/from port? Any problems with luggage?

We are considering going to the keys, instead of driving taking brightline and renting a car. Thoughts

Anyone figured up the TOTAL cost ?
 

We too had thought about using Brightline, but hesitated after thinking what the TOTAL cost might be ? For instance, when we use the C. Ex. bus service we can drive to Beall's dept. store and park in their far lot. We avoid taxi costs from our village. We arrive at the port (Miami, Everglades, etc.), our luggage is off loaded right at the check-in. I was thinking, Taxi or other cost to get to train station (I assume is in Orlando ?), when arriving in Port E.,or in Miami, then cab or uber to get to the port ? Then at debarkation, must get cab or uber to train station I assume ? The C. Ex. bus is always right at the port waiting at debarkation, so wondering how it adds to expense to get transportation from port to the train station ? Then again after arrival back to Orlando, what is the cost to get from train station back to Villages ? Just wondering if, even after the increase, if the C. Ex. bus is not the most economical after all ? ? Anyone figured up all the costs involved ?

If you are doing a return trip with Cruise Express it is still $140, so would be the cheapest

It is only because they increased the one-way from $70 to $120 that we even considered Brightline

We took a normal cab from the port to the station (Mrs Fox hasn't got around to loading the Uber app yet) and Groome at this end. Were met at Lake Sumter by the Groome minibus.

All trundling distances were short so luggage was easy - although we do travel light

Did not give prices. What were the costs both ways. 70% is a big % difference, but if Cruise Express was $100 before it would be $70 higher(total $170) and if Cruise was $50 and went up 70% it would be $35 higher(total $85.00)

We are going to Fort Lauderdale in late December and driving still looks to be the best way to go $$$ wise

Why not just drive and park at a "Park and Cruise" lot?

The return trip is $140. The one-way trip used to be half that - $70 - but has recently been bumped up 70% to $120.

1) My golf cart won't go that far (and I don't have a car); and

2) I was on a one-way transatlantic cruise, flying out of MCO and sailing back in to Port Everglades.

Renting a car one way from TV (Leesburg) to the port seems like a much more relaxing, cheaper and faster option to me.

Almost all of the rental drop-offs near the port offer a free shuttle to the cruise port. I just checked what it would cost this month, and most days a one way rental to the port area of Fort Lauderdale would be $70 or less.

It's an easy drive, just hop on the turnpike and set the cruise control to 75. Drive a couple of hours, stop for lunch or a snack, drive two more hours and then you're there.

We took Uber from Miami port to train station for $15.

If we did that would go a day early and factor in cost of hotel for one night.

If you are sailing Princess they have an agreement with Brightline including transfers.

Yes, we saw the adverts onboard the train. I think Cunard are starting something too, so maybe all cruise lines will or BrightLine will start a shuttle to/from the cruise port.